owning mobile phone is definitely not the criteria for distinction, being a smart-talker is definitely not the criteria for distinction, being a posh dresser is definitely not the criteria for distinction. Hujjat ul Islam Sayyiduna Imam Muhammad Ghazali رَحْمَةُ اللهِ تَعَالٰی عَلَيْه states in Ihya ul Uloom: “Undoubtedly on Judgement Day the people who shall be closest to Beloved Allah Almighty will be the ones who experienced long periods of hunger, thirst and sadness in this world. These people are hidden (from the eyes of common people); they are devout (pious); if they are present (in a crowd) they are not recognised (by anyone); if they are absent they are not sought after; pieces of the earth recognise them; angels of the sky surround them. Normal people are delighted with material possessions yet they are delighted by submitting to and obeying Allah the All-Merciful. While normal human beings spread soft and cosy beds beneath themselves, they spread their foreheads and knees on the ground (spend their nights prostrating). While normal humans turn away from the blessed lifestyles and practices of the Ambiya عَـلَيْـهُمُ الـصَّلٰوة ُ وَالـسَّلَام these people emulate them. The earth cries when one of them dies. Almighty Allah is displeased with a city wherein not a single man of this kind resides. These individuals do not pounce on to material assets the way dogs pounce on carrion, rather they eat little and wear old clothes. Their hair is dishevelled (scattered/untidy) and faces dusty. People assume them to be sick yet they are not sick. People assume they have psychological problems and have lost their minds yet they have not lost their minds. As a result of contemplating and pondering about The All-Benevolent Allah (the love/infatuation of) this world departed from their hearts.  In the opinions of worldly humans these individuals walk as though they are insane; yet their intellects shall remain safe when all humans will lose their minds. They shall be designated lofty stations in the afterlife. If you happen to witness any of them in a city then you should believe that they are a means of security for the residents of that city. The All-Merciful does not punish a nation wherein such individuals reside. The earth is delighted with them and Almighty Allah is pleased with them. Treat them like brothers (since) the time shall soon arrive when you will attain salvation through their mediation (Wasilah).”

(Ihya-ul-Uloom, vol. 3, pp. 246)

Dear Islamic sisters! Let’s listen to a parable which will help to become pious:

Got rid of non-observance of Pardah

Before being associated with the fragrant Madani environment of Dawat-e-Islami an Islamic sister living in Taxila (district Rawalpindi, Punjab) used to